27
Jun

Rigorous, Transient 3D CFD Models of Unusually Complicated Fluid Networks/Circuits

The role of fluid dynamics simulation in the design and development of various products has recently undergone what is arguably a paradigm shift due to the ability to simulate unusually complicated, multi-component, hydraulics flow circuits using three dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.  The example shows a lubrication system model (developed using the Simerics-Sys / PumpLinx CFD software) for a 16 cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine.  This represents an advance in system-level modeling of hydraulic fluid networks over the current state of the art which is a blend of zero and one-dimensional models.  This also represents continued progress in the role of CFD from the traditional component level modeling to system level modeling.  System level modeling provides insight into interactions between components.  Finally, it is equally important that model setup and run times are reasonable relative to development time scales.

9
Apr

Lightweight, High Performance Composites – Using FEA to Predict the Gradual Failure of Adhesives

Question: How can FEA be used to model the gradual failure of adhesives in composites? Answer: You use the cohesive zone modeling technique. Here is quick explanation of CZM from Andrew Main’s Use of Finite Element Analysis to Create Robust Composite Designs – Going Beyond First Ply Failure. Unlike virtual crack closure, cohesive zone modeling …